Win98 CD

I read on a post in another forum that the product code that came with the
Windows 98 CD must be used because it is embeded in the CD. If this is true,
is there anyway to retrieve the code from the CD?

"Copernicus" <Copernicus@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BB81AA2D-6A8B-40B2-91D6-70E0CE3EB8F2@microsoft.com...
> I read on a post in another forum that the product code that came with the
> Windows 98 CD must be used because it is embeded in the CD. If this is
true,
> is there anyway to retrieve the code from the CD?


not true...
and cd key from the same version of windows should work


there may be a difference between win98 and win98se
and the OEM keys may be different too?

Copernicus wrote:

> I read on a post in another forum that the product code that
> came with the Windows 98 CD must be used because it is
> embeded in the CD.

What forum did you read that?

"98 Guy" wrote:

> Copernicus wrote:
>
> > I read on a post in another forum that the product code that
> > came with the Windows 98 CD must be used because it is
> > embeded in the CD.
>
> What forum did you read that?
>
I don't recall. I'd have to go out and serach again to see if I run across
the same site. The poster did say that other later versions, like 98se, could
use any product code, but Win98, specifically, had to use the original code.

I must say that with my limited experience, I'd have to agree with that
because I did get a generic product code from Microsoft support and it does
not seem to operate properly. I going to have to continue searching for my
original key code.

Copernicus <Copernicus@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>
>
>"98 Guy" wrote:
>
>> Copernicus wrote:
>>
>> > I read on a post in another forum that the product code that
>> > came with the Windows 98 CD must be used because it is
>> > embeded in the CD.
>>
>> What forum did you read that?
>>
>I don't recall. I'd have to go out and serach again to see if I run across
>the same site. The poster did say that other later versions, like 98se, could
>use any product code, but Win98, specifically, had to use the original code.
>
>I must say that with my limited experience, I'd have to agree with that
>because I did get a generic product code from Microsoft support and it does
>not seem to operate properly. I going to have to continue searching for my
>original key code.

Product keys are specific both to the version and type of Windows.
Thus a Windows 98 SE Product Key for an OEM version will not work with
a Retail Upgrade CD and vice versa.

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

Copernicus wrote:

> I must say that with my limited experience, I'd have to agree
> with that

If Microsoft could stamp each and every win-98fe disk with it's own
product key, then it would have continued to do that with 98se and
with XP and especially with Vista.

No mass-produced (mass-stamped) CD or DVD (be it audio, video, or
data) has the capability to be serialized or to be anything other than
an exact clone.

> because I did get a generic product code from Microsoft support

I don't believe that. I think it's a complete fabrication that
Microsoft ever gave a "generic" product key over the phone to anyone.

I invite the MVP's to chime in here and tell us if they think that
Microsoft support would ever do that.

> and it does not seem to operate properly. I going to have
> to continue searching for my original key code.

If you are working with 98 first-edition, I suggest you stop wasting
your time and obtain a second-edition CD and work with that.

"98 Guy" wrote:

> Copernicus wrote:
>
> > I must say that with my limited experience, I'd have to agree
> > with that
>
> If Microsoft could stamp each and every win-98fe disk with it's own
> product key, then it would have continued to do that with 98se and
> with XP and especially with Vista.
>
> No mass-produced (mass-stamped) CD or DVD (be it audio, video, or
> data) has the capability to be serialized or to be anything other than
> an exact clone.
>
> > because I did get a generic product code from Microsoft support
>
> I don't believe that. I think it's a complete fabrication that
> Microsoft ever gave a "generic" product key over the phone to anyone.
>
> I invite the MVP's to chime in here and tell us if they think that
> Microsoft support would ever do that.
>
> > and it does not seem to operate properly. I going to have
> > to continue searching for my original key code.
>
> If you are working with 98 first-edition, I suggest you stop wasting
> your time and obtain a second-edition CD and work with that.
>
98 Guy, I'm only telling you what I read. Whether it's true or not, I don't
know. But, with all the so-called experts out here that have alll the
answers, I guess I'll never really know. As for your disbelief that Microsoft
would not give out a product code over the phone, why not? They don't support
win98 anymore, so what would be the harm? Again, I'm just telling you what I
experienced with the rep that I spoke with. Maybe another rep wouldn't do
that.

Here is the code they gave me: KR9PM-B68H2-DJHDY-VK643-7F986.

As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible? Each cd
comes with it's own code, so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to
embed it on the cd somehow. Unless you're directly involved in developement
of the technology and the decision making process on how to release their
product, you'd just be guessing, as I am, at their motive for doing something.

Anyway, since no one really seems to know, I guess I'll not get a definitive
answer to my question.

"Ron Martell" wrote:

> Copernicus <Copernicus@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >"98 Guy" wrote:
> >
Thank you for the response. I will email you with some details, if you don't
mind.
> >> Copernicus wrote:
> >>
> >> > I read on a post in another forum that the product code that
> >> > came with the Windows 98 CD must be used because it is
> >> > embeded in the CD.
> >>
> >> What forum did you read that?
> >>
> >I don't recall. I'd have to go out and serach again to see if I run across
> >the same site. The poster did say that other later versions, like 98se, could
> >use any product code, but Win98, specifically, had to use the original code.
> >
> >I must say that with my limited experience, I'd have to agree with that
> >because I did get a generic product code from Microsoft support and it does
> >not seem to operate properly. I going to have to continue searching for my
> >original key code.
>
> Product keys are specific both to the version and type of Windows.
> Thus a Windows 98 SE Product Key for an OEM version will not work with
> a Retail Upgrade CD and vice versa.
>
> Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
> --
> Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
> On-Line Help Computer Service
> http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
>
> "Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
> has never been in bed with a mosquito."
>

Copernicus wrote:

> As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible?

It is not possible because each and every cd would have to be different
(have a different file for the key scheme). It would be impractical to
do that.

Each cd
> comes with it's own code, so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to
> embed it on the cd somehow.

No it wouldn't, it's like burning cds on your home computer, each
Windows CD would be like a different burn project! Imagine stamping out
400 million different cds! It just isn't feasible, since Windows XP
product activation has pretty well done away with the pirate key problem.

> Anyway, since no one really seems to know, I guess I'll not get a definitive
> answer to my question.

We do know and we are telling you that product keys are not embedded in
the CDs. The only difference in the keys is what Ron told you, an OEM
key won't work for a Retail CD and vice-versa.

John

Before I begin, I would advise anyone reading these product-key posts
to use a usenet server other than Microsoft's.

Copernicus, I notice that you are posting and reading these messages
from Microsoft's server. I would advise you to seek an alternate
server. It is a well-known fact that posts pertaining to or
containing some information (such as product keys) are actively
removed by Microsoft.

Copernicus wrote:

> As for your disbelief that Microsoft would not give out a product
> code over the phone, why not? They don't support win98 anymore,

Exactly. They don't support win98 any more, so they won't be giving
out any product keys.

When did they give you this key?

> Again, I'm just telling you what I experienced with the rep that I
> spoke with. Maybe another rep wouldn't do that.
>
> Here is the code they gave me: KR9PM-B68H2-DJHDY-VK643-7F986.

A google search for that key (searching just the first set of 5
characters) turns up the following:

http://www.hardwaredude.com/post-1600.html
- this was posted by someone with moderator status
- poster claims to be in Hyderabad India
- post was made Feb 10, 2006
- potentially this info was posted, or was leaked, by an MS
tech support person working in India.

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com...problem-4.html
- a Belarc advisor dump listing about a dozen MS product keys
for various apps
- posted Nov 20, 2005

http://forums.techguy.org/hardware/215320-help.html
- another Belarc dump March 27, 2004

http://support.coral-it.com/ucp/List...hillcresthouse
- another Belarc dump (April 6, 2006)

The above page is part of an inventory of system information files
that are probably confidential, but you can see more of them here:

http://support.coral-it.com/ucp/List.../AllItems.aspx

http://gretchenubarc.pbwiki.com/Fixing+Broken+Computers
- seems to be an information dump performed by a tech repair service
- Registered Owner Duxbury High School (Duxbury, Massachusetts?)

http://www.opentechsupport.net/forum...c/22943-1.html
- forum posting (May 29, 2004) identifying it as a "generic" key

http://pfd.aphp.org/laboratoire/mate...port_LPD10.txt
- another system information dump (april 30 2002)
- system seems to be located in France

It's strange to see this same key turn up on this rag-tag assortment
of systems.

Again, the MVP's are invited to comment.

> As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible?
> Each cd comes with it's own code,

The code for each CD comes printed on the packaging. When CD's are
mass produced, they are duplicated from a master CD by using a
stamping process. You can't alter the microscopic bit-pattern on the
metal master while it's being used to stamp the plastic CD's.

> so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to embed it
> on the cd somehow.

Like I said, mass-produced CD's and DVD's are stamped from a metal
master disk, so you can see why it's impossible to alter the metal
master for each disk being stamped.

John John - What is an OEM key? The win98 product I have came preloaded with
the Dell computer I purchased in '98. The replacement code I was given by
Microsoft support does not fully function and was told it wouldn't when it
was given to me. Does this have anything to do with the OEM issue you're
referring to or is it something else?

"John John" wrote:

> Copernicus wrote:
>
> > As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible?
>
> It is not possible because each and every cd would have to be different
> (have a different file for the key scheme). It would be impractical to
> do that.
>
> Each cd
> > comes with it's own code, so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to
> > embed it on the cd somehow.
>
> No it wouldn't, it's like burning cds on your home computer, each
> Windows CD would be like a different burn project! Imagine stamping out
> 400 million different cds! It just isn't feasible, since Windows XP
> product activation has pretty well done away with the pirate key problem.
>
> > Anyway, since no one really seems to know, I guess I'll not get a definitive
> > answer to my question.
>
> We do know and we are telling you that product keys are not embedded in
> the CDs. The only difference in the keys is what Ron told you, an OEM
> key won't work for a Retail CD and vice-versa.
>
> John
>

98 Guy -

I post here because that's the only way I know how to do it.

Regarding the cd, obviously I don't know enough about the process to debate
the issue. It just seemed possible.

As for when I contacted Microsoft support, I must sincerely apologize. It
was not Microsoft, it was Dell, because that's who I purchased the computer
through. So, again, I'm sorry for the misinformation.

Anyway, when I explained to the Dell rep (who had an Indian accent) that I
had misplaced the product keycode, I asked if they had a recoord of my
purchase on file, hoping that they could look up what they had issued to me.
I was put on hold and when he returned he gave me this generic code.

He explained that this code would not allow win98 to fully function, which
is what prompted my search for the unattainable, as it were.

"98 Guy" wrote:

> Before I begin, I would advise anyone reading these product-key posts
> to use a usenet server other than Microsoft's.
>
> Copernicus, I notice that you are posting and reading these messages
> from Microsoft's server. I would advise you to seek an alternate
> server. It is a well-known fact that posts pertaining to or
> containing some information (such as product keys) are actively
> removed by Microsoft.
>
> Copernicus wrote:
>
> > As for your disbelief that Microsoft would not give out a product
> > code over the phone, why not? They don't support win98 anymore,
>
> Exactly. They don't support win98 any more, so they won't be giving
> out any product keys.
>
> When did they give you this key?
>
> > Again, I'm just telling you what I experienced with the rep that I
> > spoke with. Maybe another rep wouldn't do that.
> >
> > Here is the code they gave me: KR9PM-B68H2-DJHDY-VK643-7F986.
>
> A google search for that key (searching just the first set of 5
> characters) turns up the following:
>
> http://www.hardwaredude.com/post-1600.html
> - this was posted by someone with moderator status
> - poster claims to be in Hyderabad India
> - post was made Feb 10, 2006
> - potentially this info was posted, or was leaked, by an MS
> tech support person working in India.
>
> http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com...problem-4.html
> - a Belarc advisor dump listing about a dozen MS product keys
> for various apps
> - posted Nov 20, 2005
>
> http://forums.techguy.org/hardware/215320-help.html
> - another Belarc dump March 27, 2004
>
> http://support.coral-it.com/ucp/List...hillcresthouse
> - another Belarc dump (April 6, 2006)
>
> The above page is part of an inventory of system information files
> that are probably confidential, but you can see more of them here:
>
> http://support.coral-it.com/ucp/List.../AllItems.aspx
>
> http://gretchenubarc.pbwiki.com/Fixing+Broken+Computers
> - seems to be an information dump performed by a tech repair service
> - Registered Owner Duxbury High School (Duxbury, Massachusetts?)
>
> http://www.opentechsupport.net/forum...c/22943-1.html
> - forum posting (May 29, 2004) identifying it as a "generic" key
>
> http://pfd.aphp.org/laboratoire/mate...port_LPD10.txt
> - another system information dump (april 30 2002)
> - system seems to be located in France
>
> It's strange to see this same key turn up on this rag-tag assortment
> of systems.
>
> Again, the MVP's are invited to comment.
>
> > As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible?
> > Each cd comes with it's own code,
>
> The code for each CD comes printed on the packaging. When CD's are
> mass produced, they are duplicated from a master CD by using a
> stamping process. You can't alter the microscopic bit-pattern on the
> metal master while it's being used to stamp the plastic CD's.
>
> > so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to embed it
> > on the cd somehow.
>
> Like I said, mass-produced CD's and DVD's are stamped from a metal
> master disk, so you can see why it's impossible to alter the metal
> master for each disk being stamped.
>

OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer. Windows CDs from Dell, HP, Acer
et al would be OEM cds. Quite possibly the key you got from Microsoft
doesn't work with your Dell CD. I don't know the contents or context of
your conversation with the Microsoft help desk, but unless you made a
typo, you state that they told you the key wouldn't work with your Dell
CD, so why did they even bother giving you the key? There may have been
a misunderstanding and you may have been given the wrong key for your CD
type. If you can borrow a W98 retail cd you can try the key and see if
it works. One thing I can tell you is that an internet search on the
key returns several hits and that is usually an indication of a leaked
or pirated key, why would Microsoft give you a leaked key? There is
something that doesn't quite add up here.

John

Copernicus wrote:

> John John - What is an OEM key? The win98 product I have came preloaded with
> the Dell computer I purchased in '98. The replacement code I was given by
> Microsoft support does not fully function and was told it wouldn't when it
> was given to me. Does this have anything to do with the OEM issue you're
> referring to or is it something else?
>
> "John John" wrote:
>
>
>>Copernicus wrote:
>>
>>
>>>As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible?
>>
>>It is not possible because each and every cd would have to be different
>>(have a different file for the key scheme). It would be impractical to
>>do that.
>>
>> Each cd
>>
>>>comes with it's own code, so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to
>>>embed it on the cd somehow.
>>
>>No it wouldn't, it's like burning cds on your home computer, each
>>Windows CD would be like a different burn project! Imagine stamping out
>>400 million different cds! It just isn't feasible, since Windows XP
>>product activation has pretty well done away with the pirate key problem.
>>
>>
>>>Anyway, since no one really seems to know, I guess I'll not get a definitive
>>>answer to my question.
>>
>>We do know and we are telling you that product keys are not embedded in
>>the CDs. The only difference in the keys is what Ron told you, an OEM
>>key won't work for a Retail CD and vice-versa.
>>
>>John
>>

John John - As I also replied to 98Guy, I must sincerely apologize. The rep I
spoke to was not from Microsoft, but from Dell. That may clear up some
issues. Sorry.

"John John" wrote:

> OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer. Windows CDs from Dell, HP, Acer
> et al would be OEM cds. Quite possibly the key you got from Microsoft
> doesn't work with your Dell CD. I don't know the contents or context of
> your conversation with the Microsoft help desk, but unless you made a
> typo, you state that they told you the key wouldn't work with your Dell
> CD, so why did they even bother giving you the key? There may have been
> a misunderstanding and you may have been given the wrong key for your CD
> type. If you can borrow a W98 retail cd you can try the key and see if
> it works. One thing I can tell you is that an internet search on the
> key returns several hits and that is usually an indication of a leaked
> or pirated key, why would Microsoft give you a leaked key? There is
> something that doesn't quite add up here.
>
> John
>
> Copernicus wrote:
>
> > John John - What is an OEM key? The win98 product I have came preloaded with
> > the Dell computer I purchased in '98. The replacement code I was given by
> > Microsoft support does not fully function and was told it wouldn't when it
> > was given to me. Does this have anything to do with the OEM issue you're
> > referring to or is it something else?
> >
> > "John John" wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Copernicus wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible?
> >>
> >>It is not possible because each and every cd would have to be different
> >>(have a different file for the key scheme). It would be impractical to
> >>do that.
> >>
> >> Each cd
> >>
> >>>comes with it's own code, so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to
> >>>embed it on the cd somehow.
> >>
> >>No it wouldn't, it's like burning cds on your home computer, each
> >>Windows CD would be like a different burn project! Imagine stamping out
> >>400 million different cds! It just isn't feasible, since Windows XP
> >>product activation has pretty well done away with the pirate key problem.
> >>
> >>
> >>>Anyway, since no one really seems to know, I guess I'll not get a definitive
> >>>answer to my question.
> >>
> >>We do know and we are telling you that product keys are not embedded in
> >>the CDs. The only difference in the keys is what Ron told you, an OEM
> >>key won't work for a Retail CD and vice-versa.
> >>
> >>John
> >>
>

That explains a few things. It appears that they gave you an invalid
key. In any case, I have never heard of anyone getting a "replacement"
key from any legit source, if you lose your key you are usually told
that you have to buy a new Windows license. Of course to every rule
there are exceptions, else why would there be rules? So perhaps with a
good sob story and if you get someone in a particularly good mood on a
good day they may give you a key but it is rather rare to be issued a
replacement key. The key for your Windows installation should be on a
sticker on the computer. If you still have the Windows installation on
the hard drive the key may be recoverable by remote registry editing
techniques.

John

Copernicus wrote:

> John John - As I also replied to 98Guy, I must sincerely apologize. The rep I
> spoke to was not from Microsoft, but from Dell. That may clear up some
> issues. Sorry.
>
> "John John" wrote:
>
>
>>OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer. Windows CDs from Dell, HP, Acer
>>et al would be OEM cds. Quite possibly the key you got from Microsoft
>>doesn't work with your Dell CD. I don't know the contents or context of
>>your conversation with the Microsoft help desk, but unless you made a
>>typo, you state that they told you the key wouldn't work with your Dell
>>CD, so why did they even bother giving you the key? There may have been
>>a misunderstanding and you may have been given the wrong key for your CD
>>type. If you can borrow a W98 retail cd you can try the key and see if
>>it works. One thing I can tell you is that an internet search on the
>>key returns several hits and that is usually an indication of a leaked
>>or pirated key, why would Microsoft give you a leaked key? There is
>>something that doesn't quite add up here.
>>
>>John
>>
>>Copernicus wrote:
>>
>>
>>>John John - What is an OEM key? The win98 product I have came preloaded with
>>>the Dell computer I purchased in '98. The replacement code I was given by
>>>Microsoft support does not fully function and was told it wouldn't when it
>>>was given to me. Does this have anything to do with the OEM issue you're
>>>referring to or is it something else?
>>>
>>>"John John" wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Copernicus wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>As for not stamping every cd with a code, why is that not possible?
>>>>
>>>>It is not possible because each and every cd would have to be different
>>>>(have a different file for the key scheme). It would be impractical to
>>>>do that.
>>>>
>>>> Each cd
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>comes with it's own code, so I'm sure it would haave been just as easy to
>>>>>embed it on the cd somehow.
>>>>
>>>>No it wouldn't, it's like burning cds on your home computer, each
>>>>Windows CD would be like a different burn project! Imagine stamping out
>>>>400 million different cds! It just isn't feasible, since Windows XP
>>>>product activation has pretty well done away with the pirate key problem.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Anyway, since no one really seems to know, I guess I'll not get a definitive
>>>>>answer to my question.
>>>>
>>>>We do know and we are telling you that product keys are not embedded in
>>>>the CDs. The only difference in the keys is what Ron told you, an OEM
>>>>key won't work for a Retail CD and vice-versa.
>>>>
>>>>John
>>>>
>>